21-22-23-25 SOTN Food For Thought.qxp_Grid 18/08/2017 15:41 Page 24
Food for thought
Claire Noye, director of Ruby & Scarlet, Felixstowe S’il vous plait: “I do not think the UK government has seen that we are supposed to be a nation of shopkeepers as they are certainly not doing much to protect us! They need to end subsidies for high street charity shops selling new products. As a small business in retail, there is very little help on offer from any UK government body either when you are starting up or been trading for while. I believe the UK government must address the huge issues around business rates or there will be no ‘small shops’ left (by small this is not size of shop – a business can still be small in larger premises.” Je ne saîs quoi: “That would have to be Joseph Joseph, the innovation coming out of that company is second to none, its products are loved by young and old alike. Creative Tops has also upped its ‘je ne sais quoi’ quota by reinventing the company in a good way. Mary Portas also deserves a mention for her work in supporting small businesses - and if she can re-invigorate the business rates campaign, all the better!” Left: Claire Noye (Ruby & Scarlet) tries out an entry’s pouring ability.
Kate Lynch, assistant buyer of Debenhams S’il vous plait: “Brexit has crushed the exchange rates, making it extremely difficult for retailers to bring in the best products for customers. It would be good if they could undo the damage!” Je ne saîs quoi: “It would have to be my favourite place on earth – Yosemite National Park in California. I love to hike and be surrounded by nature! Luckily a lot of brands are really focusing on this kind of lifestyle product so they have that je ne saîs quoi too!”
Holly Wilson, owner of Prep Cookshop, Stoke Newington and Richard Dare, Primrose Hill S’il vous plait: “Overhaul the business rates system – level the playing field between trade high street and online.” Je ne saîs quoi: “Jamie Dornan.”
Sarah Wood, managing director of Trevor Mottram, Tunbridge Wells S’il vous plait: “Sort out the minimum wage, Industrial estates with free parking, bloody Amazon on taxes.” Je ne saîs quoi: “Kirstin Scott Thomas.” Above: Ever up for a giggle, Trevor Mottram’s Sarah Wood.
Right: Kristin Scott Thomas has that ‘je ne saîs quoi’ in Sarah Wood’s eyes.
Above: Holly Wilson (Prep and Richard Dare) enjoying some bubbles as the judging comes to a close. Right: Jamie Dornan does it for Holly Wilson.
Above: Debenhams’ Kate Lynch (left) and Rowena Cox relished the opportunity to be judges.
Rowena Cox, assistant buyer for Debenhams S’il vous plait:“Sort out import deals, allow empty shops to be filled with independents or up and coming brands.” Je ne saîs quoi: “Scandanvian design – always chic, simple and quality driven. Magasin du Nord in Copenhagen is testament to this.”
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Progressive Housewares
Right: (Right) Jayne Stewart (Ulster Stores) with Lakeland’s Alison Williamson.
Jayne Stewart, buyer for Ulster Stores S’il vous plait: “Sack all the overzealous traffic wardens; it would make shopping so much easier. Plus, create a true ‘level playing field by insisting that online players such as Amazon pay ‘bricks’ rates and taxes.” Je ne saîs quoi: “A nice glass of Pimms!”
Angela Williamson, merchandise planner for Lakeland S’il vous plait: “Increase football in the high street and boost the economy by controlling rates on businesses.” Je ne saîs quoi: “My heated clother airer – it’s saved me loads of money and dries clothes overnight – viva la revolution!”